Kodak blames digital cameras for jobs cull

900 axed in UK and France

Kodak is axing 600 jobs in the UK and 270 in France because people prefer digital cameras.

Some 250 jobs will be lost in Harrow, which will remain a major centre for the production of colour photographic paper and become the company's new UK HQ. Around 350 jobs will go at the company's Annesley photographic film plant in Nottinghamshire which will close in September 2005.

Said Etienne Bourgeois, head of Kodak in Europe, Africa and Middle Eastern: "Such actions are essential for Kodak to reinforce its leading position in digital imaging products and services, while sustaining and extending its worldwide leadership in traditional photographic products,"

In January this year Kodak embarked on a three-year programme to reduce its global headcount by between 12,000 and 15,000. The move was part of its strategy to cope with declining demand for its traditional photographic products and services. ®